Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net Sales:
Net sales	$ 812	$ 721
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating Profit (Loss)	27	(58)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long lived assets Impairment charge before tax	2	9
North American Gypsum [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	486	416
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating Profit (Loss)	32	(29)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long lived assets Impairment charge before tax	2	7
Building Products Distribution [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	270	243
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating Profit (Loss)	(6)	(22)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long lived assets Impairment charge before tax		1
Worldwide Ceilings [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	183	177
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating Profit (Loss)	29	26
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long lived assets Impairment charge before tax
Corporate [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating Profit (Loss)	(22)	(29)
Restructuring and long-lived asset impairment charges by segment
Restructuring and long lived assets Impairment charge before tax		1
Eliminations [Member]
Net Sales:
Net sales	(127)	(115)
Operating Profit (Loss):
Operating Profit (Loss)	$ (6)	$ (4)